Recognized. Protected. Connected.™
— ABOUT RATIOS —

A Stronger,
Safer Tomorrow
for Every One of One.

RATIOS is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals with developmental, cognitive, intellectual, communication, memory-related, and physical disabilities be recognized, understood, and protected — at home, in school, and in the community.

Our Story ↓Get Involved
👥People First
🛡️Safer Communities
♡Greater Together
• Our Story •

A Moment That Changed Everything

Every meaningful organization begins with a moment that changes how people see the world. RATIOS was born from one of those moments.

After a vulnerable adult with communication challenges was found wandering alone, it became clear how quickly an ordinary day can turn into an emergency when someone cannot easily communicate who they are, where they belong, or how to reach the people who love them.

That experience inspired a simple but powerful question: How can communities be better prepared before an emergency happens?

Today, RATIOS works alongside families, caregivers, schools, healthcare providers, first responders, and community partners to improve preparedness, strengthen community awareness, and promote practical safety solutions that preserve dignity and independence.

Because every individual deserves to be recognized, understood, and protected.

Founded by Desirae Grissom

Founder & Executive Director
“It started
with a moment.
Now it’s a
movement.♡
• Our Foundation •

What does RATIOS mean?

RATIOS stands for Rescue, Awareness, Tracking, Identification, Outreach, and Safety.
These six ideas guide our work behind the scenes. Publicly, our message remains simple:
every person deserves to be recognized, understood, and protected.

👥

Rescue

Support safe and timely recovery in emergencies.

📣

Awareness

Educate communities and increase understanding.

📍

Tracking

Help keep individuals connected and accounted for.

🪪

Identification

Provide easy access to critical information when it matters.

◎

Outreach

Partner with families, schools, and community organizations.

🛡️

Safety

Promote proactive solutions for safer communities.

✦ Our Guiding Principles ✦

Our mission, vision, and values

◎

Mission

To provide identification resources, awareness education, safety planning, and recovery support for individuals at risk of wandering or communication barriers.

◉

Vision

Communities where every person is recognized, protected, and safely returned with dignity.

♡

Values

Dignity, inclusion, compassion, preparedness, cultural awareness, and respect for every one-of-one person.

• Who We Serve •

Individuals. Families. Communities.

We support individuals across the lifespan, including those with:

💙Down syndrome🧩Autism🧠Alzheimer’s
disease🧠Dementia◉Intellectual
disabilities👥Developmental
disabilities◉Fetal alcohol
spectrum disorders🧠Traumatic
brain injury●Communication
disabilities👥Families and
caregivers
• Join the Movement •

Greater Together.

Whether you’re a family, caregiver, educator, first responder, or community partner, there’s a place for you at RATIOS. Let’s build safer, more inclusive communities — together.

Get Involved →Donate Today →